Trust Me

By Nora LeDuc

Betrayed by the men she loved and condemned by the media as an embezzler, financial advisor Ela Danforth seeks sanctuary in the small town of Rockypoint, New Hampshire. She believes her world will return to normal, but a mysterious stalker threatens her refuge, just as a charming lawyer, Nash McCain, enters her life. Despite his help in dealing with her unknown menace, and his assurance that learning to trust again can restore her lost happiness, she’s determined not to let anyone close. But Nash persists and doubts cloud her resolve. Can a relationship with Nash finally bring her peace or only lead to more heartbreak and danger for herself and the man she dares to loves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nora LeDuc
• Release date: Jul 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9780989209069

Nora LeDuc

Nora LeDuc has completed eleven books. Dead Women Tell No Lies and Trust Me are her latest. She's hard at work in New England on her next work and taking inspiration and ideas from friends and family.

Book preview

TRUST ME

by

Nora LeDuc

About TRUST ME

Betrayed by the men she loved and condemned by the media as an embezzler, financial advisor Ela Danforth seeks sanctuary in the small town of Rockypoint, New Hampshire. She believes her days will return to normal, but a mysterious stalker threatens her refuge, just as a charming lawyer, Nash McCain, enters her life. Despite his help in dealing with her unknown menace, she’s determined not to let anyone get close to her again. She plans to face life with cold, hard realism. But if she puts her trust in Nash, can their relationship finally bring her peace or will it lead to more heartbreak and danger for both of them?

TRUST ME

Copyright 2014 by Nora LeDuc

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by [e-mail]

Digital Formatting by Author E.M.S.

Publishing History 2014

Digital ISBN: 978-0-9892090-3-8

Table of Contents

About TRUST ME

Copyright

Praise for Nora LeDuc

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

About the Author

Praise for Nora LeDuc

DEAD WOMEN TELL NO LIES: This author writes an outstanding romantic suspense. One of the best I have read in a long time. I would absolutely recommend highly—5 Flowers—I loved this book! It’s on my keeper shelf!

~ It’s Raining Books

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MURDER CAME CALLING: A Night Owl Romance Book Review TOP PICK!

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"STAGING MURDER absolutely kept me glued to my ereader. I was caught up in the suspense, quite curious about the murder, the threats and what they all meant for Ava."

~ Jennifer Porter, Romance Novel News

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"Impressively crafted, PICK UP LINES FOR MURDER is an enjoyable suspense thriller."

~ Josee Morgan, Apex Reviews

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MURDER BY HEART: Tension begins on the first page and doesn’t end until an unexpected culprit is revealed in the last few pages. This cleverly crafted story is filled with sexual tension that neither the hero nor the heroine wants to recognize and an abundance of action as they try to outwit a vicious killer.

~ Donna M. Brown for Romantic Times Book Reviews

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LOVE’S WICKED JEWEL: Several of the scenes contain wry humor that binds all into a tidy bundle of compelling and suspenseful romance.

~ Faith V. Smith, Romantic Times Book Reviews

~*~

To View the list of all of Nora LeDuc’s books go to: http://www.noraleduc.com

Dedication

To Lanie, may all your future dreams come true. Thanks for your friendship, your stories and support. You are gold. Give Nash a kiss for me. And to Kathleen, a million thanks for your insights. I wish you a billion blessings.

~Love, Nora

Chapter 1

Daa-ad, we’re almost at Dead Man’s Curve. Nashua McCain’s nine-year-old daughter Lanie leaned against the seatbelt and squinted through the passenger’s windshield into the night. You can barely see out the window, she warned him. It’s dangerous.

At the note of concern in her voice, Nash’s fatherly instinct jumped into action. Excellent point. He hit the button on the dashboard of his two-seater sports car. The defroster’s hum grew louder and mixed with the wiper blades’ rhythmic beat.

The cell phone in his leather jacket rang out the crescendo from his favorite movie score—a thriller.

It’s Grandma’s ring, Lanie said. You should stop and answer her. It’s not safe to talk on your cell and drive at the same time. Grandma tells Grandpa that all the time when he drives.

Who’s raising you, the Grandmothers’ Safety Council? His daughter was nine going on fifty. Why did that worry him? Maturity was good, wasn’t it? But she was right. Too many deaths had occurred on this bend in the road, and ever since his wife had died, Lanie had assumed the role of the cautious family member, fearing real or imaginary harms.

He braked and steered toward the parking area on the side that was designed for tourists to take photos of the distant White Mountains or the village of Rockypoint, New Hampshire lying below. Tonight, the early spring rainstorm blotted out the lights from the valley’s thirteen thousand residents.

He shifted into park, flicked his flashers and flipped the button of the overhead light before he clicked the cell’s button. Hello, Mother.

Happy birthday, Nashua. You aren’t driving in this torrential downpour with Lanie, are you?

Good to hear from you, Mom. Thanks for the birthday greeting. He shrugged at Lanie as the rain won the battle of the fogged front glass. Headlights from behind popped out of the night and bounced off his rearview mirror. He averted his gaze.

Your routine is as predictable as your father’s fussing when he opens our tax bill, his mother continued. This is the day and hour when you visit that little bar you call a café for supper. It’s not the place for a little girl, not that you care for my opinion.

Yes, we’re on our way to eat at my favorite café like we do every year on the first of April. And it’s a coffee bar owned by our friends from church.

Why don’t you come for dinner Sunday? We can celebrate together, and I’ve a special friend you should meet.

Danger. She always invited him when she’d found a friend to introduce. She couldn’t understand that he preferred to find his own dates and keep relationships casual. He made an effort to filter the frustration out of his tone as he answered, I’ll check my schedule and let you know.

Your father told me you’re free.

Lanie tugged on his sleeve. Dad. Dad. Look at those cars! She pointed behind her. Her fingers tightened with urgency on his arm. Four advancing headlights side by side sped up the hill. They’re headed for Dead Man’s Curve. They’re going too fast and going to crash.

I’ve gotta go, Mother. Nash dropped the phone in the cup holder.

The two vehicles flew towards them, neck and neck on the two-way road. Micro inches separated them. They shot past Nash. Their red rear lights burned through the dark, slashing rain. He narrowed his eyes and distinguished the shape of a pickup’s bed on one vehicle, now attempting to pass the other. Sure enough, it smacked against the driver’s side of what looked like an early sixties car. The screech of metal against metal broke through the rain pounding on his sports car’s roof. The vintage car swerved onto the shoulder, and for a split second, it balanced on the edge of the winding pavement before it plummeted over the side of the nine-hundred-foot drop.

With a shot of backfire, the white truck roared off.

Dad! Can you believe that? He drove someone off the road and left! What’s going to happen? Are they dead? Lanie’s hoarse whisper broke the silence. She unsnapped her seatbelt and bent forward to wipe the fog off the window with the cuff of her aqua fleece jacket and stared after the pinpoint of crimson taillight disappearing around the peak’s curve.

We’ll report it. Get the driver help. Everyone will be okay. He hoped.

It was a hit and run. Right? She blinked her hazel eyes. The freckles on her nose and cheeks stood out on her ashen face.

Yes, it was. Did he look as scared as she did? It didn’t feel real. He wanted to replay the scene in his mind with a different ending.

Do you think anybody is alive? What if they had kids? She tucked her brown hair into her collar and scooted toward the door.

I’ll call for help.

He grabbed the phone and within seconds reported the accident to nine-one-one. The operator continued with questions, but he had to go down to that car.

Just a minute, he told the woman and handed the cell to his daughter. I need you to do this important thing for me. Stay here and talk to the emergency operator while you watch for the ambulance and police. I’ll find out what happened to the driver. Got it?

What if you fall?

I’m only going down a little way to see if anyone’s hurt and will come right back. He opened the glove compartment and snatched his flashlight. Set?

Don’t be gone long. She raised the phone to her ear. Hello.

From the console, he removed his Red Sox cap and stuffed it on his head. Outside, the raindrops pelted his face and struck the pavement around him. He yanked up the collar of his jacket. Ahead, the twisted and broken guardrail marked where the vehicle had gone off. He sprinted to the spot and climbed over the remains of the metal railing. He steadied on the rim of the precipice and looked down through the sheet of rain into the darkness. With his beam he scanned the hill dotted with protruding granite, scraggly, barren trees and brush. Could anyone survive such a crash? At least he didn’t spot flames. Nash murmured a prayer that someone would live.

He began to inch down the forty-five degree slope. He paused to allow the soles of his running shoes to grip the slick, uneven ground of rock and edged past the trees. Their jutting roots acted as speed bumps on the wet ground.

Who would race up Moose Hill in a dead heat and force another person off the hillside? A drunk driver? An angry spouse?

Nash’s sneakers slid on the slippery, hard surface, and he slowed his descent. What else could he expect from living in a place nicknamed the Granite State? Sweat beaded his forehead. What was he thinking? Coming down here was risky. The starless darkness and sheets of water closed around him and cut off his visibility. He had to rely on the limited glow from his flashlight. Already, his jeans were soaked. The shower penetrated his clothing and trickled down the inside of his neckline, coolness touching his skin, and he was only one-third of the way down.

A soft moan drifted up to him. Was he imagining the noise? The sound floated uphill again. Someone was alive below him, at least for the moment.

He ran his beam across the ground and caught sight of a body of an upside-down vehicle. Its trunk and engine were wedged between two trees. He picked up his speed and skidded down the last few yards to the car. Hello? Can you hear me? He froze to listen through the torrent.

A groan answered him.

Dad! Dad!

Lanie? She stood at the edge of the hillside. All he needed was his daughter falling down the hill. He cupped his hands to his mouth. Stay up there.

Did you find anyone? Are you coming back?

Don’t move. Fear raised his voice.

Hel—p. The single word wafted from the auto.

He ran to the crumpled metal side, crouched down and flashed his light on a young woman with blonde hair hanging in the overturned vehicle. The safety harness and airbag imprisoned her in the driver’s seat. She stared straight ahead, unaware of him. At least he didn’t spot blood, and no one else was inside. The ambulance is on the way. Hold on. Are you hurt?

Her eyelids flickered shut.

A siren wailed in the distance.

Hello? The emergency workers are almost here. You’ll be okay.

Maybe they weren’t soon enough. He yanked on the door handle. Nothing budged.

* * *

Are you Nash McCain?

From his place beside the hallway snack machines, Nash lowered the paper cup of tepid coffee from his lips. It was the third he’d had in the nearly two hours since he arrived at the hospital. He should have insisted Lanie go to her grandmother’s house, but they’d both been delayed by the police for interviews and their hospital visit to check on Suz Danforth’s condition.

A lean, cinnamon-haired woman with a mass of curls stood in front of him. The fluorescent light revealed lines of fatigue in an otherwise striking face. He had to remind himself not to stare.

She was about a foot taller than Lanie’s four feet, with high cheekbones and an ivory complexion that suggested a delicate nature, but the upward thrust of her jaw and firm eye contact denoted strength.

I’m Michaela, or Ela Danforth. You helped my sister tonight. She extended a hand.

He moved closer to her. For a second, she tensed her shoulders and then she relaxed and shook his hand. It’s nice to meet you, Miss Danforth. She was about twenty-six or seven. In her black pants and top, she seemed ready for grieving. The dark circles under her large brown eyes made him want to offer aid and assure her tomorrow would be better. We should move to the waiting room and grab a chair.

I’ll only take a minute. She swallowed and straightened her back. The nurse mentioned you were in the hall. I’d like to thank you for helping Suz. The police informed me she was fortunate you found her and directed the rescue personnel. She could have been trapped down there for hours without anyone noticing.

I’m glad I could do something, but the emergency workers are the heroes.

Your sister couldn’t get out of her car. Lanie popped up from beside the candy machine. They used the jaws of life to pry her loose."

He laid a hand on her shoulder and raised his brows to signal her to stop talking. Lanie.

Ela moistened her full lips. You were in the right place when she needed you. I don’t know how to express my gratitude.

My dad climbed down the hillside to save her, Lanie said, focused on Ela and oblivious to him. I’m Elaine, but everyone calls me Lanie. Want one? She waved a red licorice twist, and the scent of strawberry blended with the hallway’s sterile antiseptic odor.

Thanks. The woman hesitated and then took the candy and held it in her fist as if it were a lifeline. I’m pleased to meet you. The crinkle in her forehead disappeared.

I talked to nine-one-one, too, Lanie said. Her face glowed with pride.

That’s enough, Nash reminded her with a gentle squeeze of her shoulder.

Lanie lowered her head and peeked upward at her father, as if trying to judge how much trouble she was in.

I appreciate both your help. Ela offered her hand to Lanie.

The young girl beamed with happiness.

How’s your sister doing? he asked.

Suz is with the doctor who set her broken leg. Since she suffered a lot of bruises and lost consciousness, she will stay overnight for observation.

Her guardian angel was watching over her, Lanie said. I’ll keep praying for her.

The lines returned to the woman’s face, and she retreated a step. She seemed to run hot and cold, but then if someone Nash loved was hospitalized, his reactions might be unpredictable, as well.

If you’ll excuse me, I’ll return to my sister’s room to wait for the nurse to bring her in.

Did the police offer an idea or theory about the truck? he asked, to keep her from leaving. His heart thudded an extra beat in anticipation of spending more time with her, even if it wasn’t his best idea. Then he would get to know her and probably like her—maybe even a lot—and he’d vowed, after what happened with his wife, Cindy, that he’d never get that close to a woman again.

They should hurry up and catch that truck driver, Lanie interjected, before he runs away. Dad thinks so too.

Ela’s mouth fell open. You don’t believe it was an accident and that the driver panicked and sped away?

Didn’t the police speak to you? Nash asked.

She bit her lip and shrugged. An officer told me they’re exploring the possibility my sister became involved in a drag racing accident. I don’t know much else.

The driver in the truck knocked your sister off the curve on purpose, Lanie announced.

The woman flinched at the last words.

Lanie, we’re not CSI. The police will handle the investigation. I’m sorry, Miss Danforth. It’s a stressful night for you. What more could he do to help her? Aha—Nash pulled his card from his pocket and offered it to her.

As she took it, their hands brushed and there it was—that zing of attraction. Her eyes widened with awareness.

He cleared his throat before speaking. I’m a trial attorney. I’m also an insomniac who loves to tempt people to stay on the phone with me during the late, boring hours by offering free advice. Take advantage and call me. In a small town, I’ve many kinds of cases and I’ve become savvy on numerous categories of the law. He grinned, hoping to ease her pained expression.

You’re a lawyer? She held his card away from her as though he’d presented her with a bottle of arsenic. I have to leave now.

She turned and walked away. The sound of her heeled footsteps echoed in the snack area.

Lanie leaned toward him. She didn’t like your business card, Dad, and didn’t pay any attention when I talked about a guardian angel.

I’m afraid not everyone thinks my profession is useful. Though anyone with common sense wants an angel on her shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her. Let’s go call Grandma and ask her if we can stop by for dessert. The bag of peanuts didn’t fill me up.

We never ate supper.

I won’t tell if you don’t.

Lanie smiled and skipped ahead to the red exit sign. Outdoors, the storm had subsided. They walked to their car near the emergency entrance. Lanie babbled on about the adventures of the evening. Nash’s thoughts were on Ela Danforth and her strange reactions to his offer of support and Lanie’s mention of a guardian angel.

Ela had his interest, for sure, but her warm then cool behavior reminded him too much of his deceased wife. His policy now was to stay away from deep emotional entanglements with women.

Today might

Reviews for Trust Me

[skeeterlee63 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first chapter of Trust Me starts with a bang... or rather a crash. Nash McCain (widower and local lawyer) and his daughter Lanie witness a truck forcing a car over the side of Dead Man’s Curve. The driver of the car turns out to be the sister of Ela Danforth.Ela and her sister recently moved into their aunt's house in search of a new start. As the investigation of the "accident" progresses and new incidents occur, Ela realizes that these events are more than likely related to the very problems that led her to seek refuge in Rockypoint. With her back against the wall and nowhere to turn, she is forced to accept help from Nash despite her misgivings.Everything really comes down to answering two questions.Who is stalking Ela? Who can she trust?About the RomanceBetrayed by loved ones in the past, Ela is determined to keep Nash at a distance from the start. Fortunately/unfortunately, Nash is a patient charmer that is hard resist. I really enjoyed the slow build up of the romance between Nash and Ela. There are no graphic sex scenes (or sex scenes at all for that matter). Just a little kissing on the side.About the SuspenseI am usually pretty good at figuring out the plot twists early on in a story. I was pleasantly surprised that I hadn't figured out everything when I finished the book. There are no graphic scenes of violence. Some violent things happen to a few of the sub-characters, but they are not described in detail.At just 128 pages, I read Trust Me in one sitting. The plot is fast-paced and the major characters are well-developed. The characters have a mix of redeeming qualities and flaws that add to the believability of the story. No too perfect billionaires or annoyingly meek heroines here.I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.